Exodus 39:16 - Golden rings adorn sacred breastplate

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Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ שְׁתֵּי מִשְׁבְּצֹת זָהָב וּשְׁתֵּי טַבְּעֹת זָהָב וַיִּתְּנוּ אֶת־שְׁתֵּי הַטַּבָּעֹת עַל־שְׁנֵי קְצוֹת הַחֹשֶׁן׃

English Translation

And they made two fixtures of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.

Transliteration

Vaya'asu shtei mishb'tzot zahav ushtei taba'ot zahab vayitnu et-shtei hataba'ot al-shnei ktzot hachoshen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֗וּ שְׁתֵּי֙ מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת זָהָ֔ב וּשְׁתֵּ֖י טַבְּעֹ֣ת זָהָ֑ב וַֽיִּתְּנ֗וּ אֶת־שְׁתֵּי֙ הַטַּבָּעֹ֔ת עַל־שְׁנֵ֖י קְצ֥וֹת הַחֹֽשֶׁן׃

Parasha Commentary

The Construction of the Choshen (Breastplate)

The verse (Shemot 39:13) describes the crafting of the Choshen Mishpat (Breastplate of Judgment), a sacred garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). According to Rashi, the two golden mishbetzot (fixtures) and the two golden rings were essential for attaching the Choshen to the Ephod (another priestly garment). The rings were placed at the upper corners of the Choshen, allowing it to be securely fastened with golden chains to the Ephod.

Symbolism of the Golden Fixtures and Rings

The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that the Choshen was not merely decorative but served a divine purpose—it contained the Urim v'Tumim, through which Hashem communicated His will. The golden fixtures and rings symbolize the unbreakable connection between the physical and spiritual realms, as gold represents purity and holiness in Jewish tradition.

Two Rings: The Talmud (Yoma 72a) teaches that the doubling of the rings (two on the Choshen and two on the Ephod) signifies the balance between justice (din) and mercy (rachamim), reflecting the dual nature of divine judgment.
Golden Material: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:9) notes that gold was chosen because it does not tarnish, representing the eternal and unchanging word of Hashem.

Practical Function in the Mishkan

According to the Kli Yakar, the rings ensured that the Choshen remained firmly in place over the Kohen Gadol's heart, symbolizing that divine judgment must always be close to one's conscience. The precision in their placement—on the "two ends" of the Choshen—teaches that true justice must be balanced and unwavering, without favoritism.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a

The verse is discussed in the context of the High Priest's breastplate (Choshen) and its construction, particularly focusing on the details of the gold rings and their placement.

📖 Zevachim 88b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sacred garments of the High Priest, emphasizing the materials and craftsmanship involved in making the breastplate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'breastplate' mentioned in Exodus 39:16?
A: The breastplate (חֹשֶׁן - 'Choshen') was a sacred garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It contained twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Shemot 28:15-21). Rashi explains that it was called 'Choshen Mishpat' (Breastplate of Judgment) because it helped clarify divine decisions.

Q: Why were gold rings attached to the breastplate?
A: The gold rings served as connectors to fasten the breastplate securely to the ephod (another priestly garment). The Talmud (Yoma 72a) teaches that these rings symbolize the unity and interdependence of the Kohen Gadol's garments—each part had to be properly connected for the service to be valid.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the detailed description of the breastplate's construction?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) emphasizes that every detail in the Mishkan's construction teaches us about the importance of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying commandments). Just as the rings and fixtures were made with precision and care, we should perform mitzvos with the utmost attention and beauty.

Q: How does the breastplate's design relate to the Jewish people today?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) compares the breastplate's twelve stones to the unity of the twelve tribes. Today, this reminds us that every Jew—regardless of background—has a unique role in Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people), just as each stone had its place on the Choshen.